May 7, 2008 11:21 pm US/Eastern
Ceremony For Fallen Phila. Officers Bittersweet
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
-
-
The annual ceremony for fallen police officers and firefighters took on special significance this year.
CBS
The annual
ceremony for fallen police officers and firefighters took on special
significance this year.
Two women Judith Cassidy and Anne Skerski have broken hearts and shattered lives in common, as widows of murdered Philadelphia police officers.
At emotional ceremony Wednesday, a plaque honoring Officer Gary Skerski was unveiled in the sidewalk near Pat's Café. Nearly two years ago, Skerski was fatally shot when responding to a burglary.
"We know that Gary was a good family man. He was a great husband. In fact, next Wednesday would have been our 20th wedding anniversary," widow Anne Skerski said.
"I want them to remember Officer Skerski and what a hero he was for all the people. I mean he came in and gave his ultimate and that's his life," Pat's Bar Owner Pat Holloran said.
In a ceremony honoring all fallen Philadelphia police and firefighters, Officer Chuck Cassidy's family placed a wreath at the memorial in Franklin Square.
Cassidy died after being shot in the line of duty last Halloween.
"We pray especially for the Liczbinski family as they plan to attend the funeral on Friday," Chief of Chaplains Rev. Maurice Hughes said.
The faces of those at the ceremony show the grief felt and now relived after the fatal shooting Saturday of Sergeant Stephen Liczbinski, another shattered family who will lean on the helping hands of those who have been there.
Officer Skerski's family went to join Officer Liczbinski's family for memorial in Port Richmond where a show of support was very much needed.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Jessica Simpson: Then & Now
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
